The Philippine National Police (PNP) stated that the manner of the arrest and the ultimate resolution of the operation against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa depend entirely on him, amid intensified efforts to execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Dela Rosa has been designated as a co-perpetrator in a crimes against humanity case linked to the previous administration’s drug war, mirroring proceedings faced by former President Rodrigo Duterte in the Netherlands.
PNP Spokesperson PCol. Allen Rae Co emphasized that the government harbors no intent to harm the senator, noting that the one-week deadline provided to him was specifically designed to prevent any untoward incidents during the operation.
“This Friday is actually the last day and the very reason he was given one week is because all of us want to resolve this peacefully without loss of life, injuries or avoid potentially dangerous encounters,” said Co.
Co’s remarks followed public appeals for peaceful apprehension measures after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced a ₱50 million reward for Dela Rosa’s capture. Remulla previously noted that months of evasion following the issuance of the ICC warrant in May offered ample opportunity for the senator to address the charges.
Despite the deadline and monetary reward, Co confirmed that authorities have yet to receive any signal of surrender from the former PNP chief. While Dela Rosa has maintained that he will only submit to local tribunals, Remulla indicated that the lawmaker is currently shielded by armed affiliates.
Co reiterated that even if the expiration of the one-week grace period passes without compliance, the primary objective remains the orderly and peaceful execution of the warrant to circumvent violent escalations.
As part of this strategy, the police are urging individuals close to the senator to persuade him to turn himself in.
“This is an opportunity to ensure that no one else gets involved, that no potential violence occurs, and that the matter concludes with dignity for the senator,” Co stated, adding, “So we are extending the same appeal to the family, maybe they could talk to the senator and prevail upon him to voluntarily surrender.”
While asserting that law enforcement agencies possess adequate manpower to carry out the task independently, Co acknowledged potential collaborative efforts with the military.
“We always welcome of course the offers for assistance or help. We have a good relationship with the AFP especially in conducting joint operations,” he remarked.
Co also stressed that despite Dela Rosa’s historical background within the police force, “Everything else aside, we are just serving a warrant of arrest.”
The senator is accused of orchestrating the anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of fatalities during official police actions and extrajudicial incidents.
The renewed manhunt gained momentum following public criticism directed at Remulla’s prior remarks regarding the operation, with critics noting prior opportunities to detain Dela Rosa during legislative sessions.